John Bolton writes that Donald Trump doesn't like Justin Trudeau. That comes as no surprize. Susan Delacourt writes:
Bolton has given readers a peek behind the scenes of the now-famous G7 meeting in Quebec in 2018, which resulted in a stream of Trump invective toward Trudeau in the immediate aftermath.
The book describes Trump’s reaction after watching Trudeau’s closing news conference, during which the prime minister spoke out about the U.S. tariff war against Canadian steel, levied just days before the G7 gathering.
“He was throwing a fit about Trudeau’s using his closing press conference to score points against him,” Bolton writes in the book, a copy of which was discreetly supplied to me on Monday. “Trump had been gracious to Trudeau in his press event, and he was infuriated Trudeau had not reciprocated.”
Bolton then goes on to say how Trump ordered members of his inner circle, specifically his economic adviser Larry Kudlow, to publicly shame Canada’s prime minister on TV.
Trump arrived at the G7 Conference looking like a tired old man. Trudeau and Emmanuel Macron looked young and vigourous:
As Bolton reports about the G7 meeting itself, “Trump himself seemed very tired; in fairness, so were many others, but not Macron and Trudeau, and certainly not their aides, who were pushing policy agendas contrary to ours.”
Trump seemed oblivious to those policy differences. “I tried to judge whether Trump really wanted a G7 communiqué and would therefore make more concessions, or whether he was indifferent. I couldn’t tell, but Trump (who had not troubled to prepare himself) didn’t really have much of an idea what was at stake.”
As has been the case from the beginning, Trump didn't -- and still doesn't -- give a damn about policy. What matters to him is Image. Justin seems to understand that. And he has refused to retaliate in kind. When asked about Trump's attack on him, he told Delacourt:
“As satisfying as it might be to sort of let it rip in public or respond to personal attacks or personal comments with personal comments, does that help me do my job? Does that help Canadians? No. So I put that aside,”
It seems that Justin has taken a lesson from his father. When the White House tapes revealed Richard Nixon calling Trudeau the Elder "a son of a bitch," Pierre's response was acerbic and on point. "I've been called worse things by better people," he said.
Image: MEME
8 comments:
.. 'counting coup' ..
History does a fine job (its a long game) .. and Mr PE Trudeau had a pretty stunning coup stick. A lot of folks got to ride high in their saddle.. without much merit.. but they rode with the right guy for the time with PE .. And history does 'condensed versions' too.. and such is your highlight quote.. re the 'heard worse from better people'
It always seems Trump appears to prefer being the chump.. yes, plenty of memorable quotes for history to compress forever.. problem is.. Trump plays a chump villain.. thinking the spew emanating from his oh so glorious being.. is uh.. Heroic ? Inspiring ? Timeless or Mindless ? Oh well.. he's already doomed himself to being in the same mention as Judas, General Custer, John Wilkes Booth, Benedict Arnold.. Joe McCarthy, LT Calley Jr (My Lai) & more recently comparisons to the dark aspects of Richard Nixon's dirtbag cabal seem apropos.. quislings everywhere, turncoats, traitors, prison terms.. the idiotic family.. kissed by Kanye, pal to Epstein.. the hits just keep coming. Trump has to 'carp' - boast, lie, spin, distort. Mike Spence must cringe at how Trump even failed to get properly impeached.. and now Pence's childhood dream of becoming President is circling a golden toilet.. Does anyone really think William Barr can 'dine out' ever again ? Or Mitch McConnell ?
The cast of accomplices keeps growing, sal. And none of them are "better people."
I haven't been saying much lately, nothing to add but . . . occasionally I do ponder, at times, how Prime Minister Joseph Philippe Pierre Yves Elliott Trudeau PC CC CH QC FRSC would have dealt with the Donald? Or China?
I dare you to think about it. laugh
We're still judging the kid 'cause we knew his dad. smile
j a m e s
Owen, I often viewed PET as one of those politicians as a leader who was wealthy enough that he did not or could not be manipulated. He primarily met those ideals and was more interested in his fellow citizens than exploiting his position for personal gain. Most of those who followed did not care about the public that they represented. Other than Joe Who, Prime Ministers who have followed PET have been primarily interested in feathering their own nests. The latter includes Chretian as well as Mulroney. RG
3se that proceded him, but certainly most of those that have followed him.
A good point, James. All sons have to deal with their fathers' shadows. For Justin, that's a tall order.
Wealth provides definite advantages, RG. Some would argue that wealth made PET arrogant. On the other hand, what appeared as arrogance came in very handy during the October Crisis.
always loved that line by Trudeau Sr.
A. at 1:46 p.m. has a good point. Trudeau wasn't influenced by others with more money. He knew what he was and he was also wealthy. He was not some new to the game. he came from an old family and old money. He was educated and smarter than most. He would most likely have enjoyed Merkel.
How Trudeau Sr. would have dealt with Trump, like trump was so much dirt on the sole of his shoe.
whether you liked Trudeau Sr. or not, he was brilliant and very good at what he did. he had vision.
Indeed, e.a.f. His vision was both wide and deep.
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